Welcome to the 2020 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Throughout the May-August months, HERO Sports is going to name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-1. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on the 2019 season.
The full 99-1 countdown/schedule can be found here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2019 rosters.
43: Forrest Rhyne, LB (Sr.) — Villanova
Rhyne had a breakthrough junior season last year after seeing limited action as a freshman and sophomore. He earned a starting spot at linebacker and quickly became a leader on that side of the ball.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder finished 2019 with a team-high 116 total tackles. Rhyne also had 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning First Team All-CAA honors.
Rhyne is an instinctual player with a nose for the football. He racked up double-digit tackles in seven of the 13 games. Rhyne was dominant against William & Mary, recording 15 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Not bad for a first-year starter.
Now he’s a well-known name in the FCS, and we named him a preseason HERO Sports First Team All-American.
